The 50th Anniversary Celebration Begins!
Fifty years! In 2000, Calvary decided to celebrate all year! It started with a reunion of those who had been confirmed at Calvary since 1952. We had a wonderful time sharing memories and renewing friendships. Some came from far away -- Colorado, New Mexico, Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, and one from Germany. Most were from local points. They ranged from teenagers to grandparents confirmed here 40+ years ago.
Pastor Kern shared some fond memories. During his ministry, confirmation and training classes met on Saturday mornings. Over the years, the classes had special activities. Early groups enjoyed a skating party at the ice rink at newly-opened Roosevelt Field. They hiked to LuHi and back, a 15-mile walk with a stopover at Nathan's in Hicksville. Until the cost of a bus trip became prohibitive, some classes went to Chinatown to visit True Light Church. Others went to Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf and Concordia College in Bronxville.
One special memory for those whom Pastor Kern had confirmed was the public exam. That custom of answering questions about the Christian faith in front of the congregation pushed many into studying harder and left an indelible impression. Now 20 or 30 years later they could laugh at the memory of that "horrible" experience. Believe it or not, George Spoering Jr. brought to the dinner a copy of the public exam to which he had been subjected in 1964.
The reunion weekend ended with an unusual experience. After the Sunday morning service the congregation gathered on the front lawn of the church. Each person released a live butterfly. Pastor Therwanger had ordered a supply of chrysalises and kept them in his basement to hatch. The release of the butterflies was meant to remind everyone that Jesus was once in a tomb and now lives! It was a reminder, too, that youth nurtured and trained at Calvary also fly off in a variety of directions. They share God's love in many places and in many ways.